Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong has suffered a tear of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his right knee, dealing a significant blow to the club's plans ahead of the new season.
Fresh reports suggest De Jong holds the Netherlands national team medical staff responsible for the injury, which he believes could have been avoided. According to journalist Victor Nahe, De Jong was assured during the FIFA World Cup that the problem was only minor.
The diagnosis leaves Barcelona without one of their most influential midfielders and raises questions over how the injury was managed during the tournament. De Jong played the World Cup with a knee injury, despite persistent discomfort.
Medical tests have revealed the full extent of De Jong's injury, with the club confirming that he will begin conservative treatment over the coming weeks. Specialists will monitor his recovery, although surgery has not been scheduled at this stage.
This setback is expected to keep De Jong out for between five and six months, a timeline that could rule him out for the entire first half of the 2026/27 campaign. The injury is a significant blow for Hansi Flick, who had expected the midfielder to play a central role in Barcelona's plans this season.
Frenkie de Jong feels the injury escalated because he was advised by the Dutch national team that the issue was not serious enough to prevent him from playing. Believing it was a manageable problem, the midfielder continued to feature during the tournament despite experiencing pain.
The true extent of the damage only became clear after De Jong returned to Barcelona and underwent more detailed medical examinations. The national team's medical staff are now facing scrutiny over their handling of the situation.
The injury is a significant blow to Barcelona's midfield, which was already expected to be a key area of focus for the club this season. De Jong's absence will give other players a chance to step up and claim a starting spot.
The Dutch international's injury will be a major concern for Barcelona fans, who will be hoping for a speedy recovery. The club will be keeping a close eye on De Jong's progress over the coming weeks, although the midfielder's absence is expected to be a prolonged one.
The next few weeks will be crucial in determining the extent of De Jong's injury and how long he will be out of action. The club will be working closely with medical specialists to ensure that he receives the best possible care and support during his recovery.
Source: Yahoo Sports
